Archive | May, 2013

It was asked to write on behalf of Monarch butterflies. I expect to see the first Monarch’s arrive during Memorial Day Weekend. I usually see them in the Upper Peninsula before I see them in the Lower Peninsula. I have wondered why? First, I think they follow the Mississippi River and tributary rivers northward and then spread east and west from the major drainage.

By following the Mississippi flyway they funnel northward to Minnesota and Wisconsin and reach the UP with greater haste than making it around Lake Michigan. They must follow the Ohio River Valley also and make it directly eastward. West Michigan remains cooler in spring than Wisconsin and Minnesota because of regional cooling from Lake Michigan. Temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s often arrive in northern states to our west that do not have chilling waters of the big lake to refrigerate the climate.

This year a monarch was seen just north of Grand Rapids on May 2 while all other reports were only as far north as Tennessee and Oklahoma. Monarchs are a hope for the future despite growing odds against their survival chances. It has been predicted by scientific researchers like Lincoln Brower that the migratory phenomena of Monarchs in the North America may end during the lifetime of many of us.

How we maintain our yards is important for monarch survival. Our influence can help the existence of all life forms. We can enhance conditions that promote living space for species that share our yards or we can make landscapes sterile with extensive lawns. Yard care in neighborhoods is critical for life on Earth. Hence the famous quote “Think globally and act locally.”

Benefits from native landscaping your yard save money because we consume less gas by mowing less. As our own species becomes more populous we can maintain yards to enjoy and preserve natural beauty and wildlife.

“Monarchs of Hope.” Like all species Monarchs do what they can to survive, reproduce, and continue their lineage. Monarch butterflies face survival problems but we can make a difference to benefit Monarch’s.

Which solutions might you do in your yard with family focused activities?

-Encourage milkweed and nectar plants as habitat for Monarchs.

-Avoid or reduce pesticide use in yards and gardens. Live with nature.

-Maintain fencerows on farmlands instead of “clean farming” to provide wildlife living space.

Fencerows were encouraged after the dust bowl to help save farmers from bankruptcy and poor land management causing soil loss. It provided essential habitat for native species. Income from farming every foot of land places farm security at risk and it diminishes land quality.

-Migratory corridors can provide safe harbor habitats free from pesticides and herbicides. People across the nation can do this locally in yards. Do not underestimate the importance of your personal effort.

-Migratory corridors with shelterbelts containing food, water, shelter, in appropriate abundance for migratory species can be funded with government grants for conservation easements.

-Visit winter refuges where Monarchs hibernate in Mexico to support the local economy so Monarch forests will be maintained.

The real Monarchs of Hope in this story are families willing to maintain healthy nature niche landscapes with less lawn and more nature.

If you like a good “whodunit,” check out “Mystery at Shady Acres,” put on by the Koinonia Sr. High School players, at the Kent Theatre, June 7-8.

The play, written by Michelle R. Davis, is set in the 1930’s, where the hotel staff at Shady Acres, a cozy hotel tucked away in the remote English countryside, is frantically preparing for the arrival of their most prestigious guests ever. Everything seems to go awry as the hotel is turned upside down, with topsy-turvy zany activity. Just when everything seems to calm down and smooth out, an item of great significance disappears! What happened? Who is that mysterious man lurking around? And who really are these wealthy guests from America? Practically everyone has a motive. Your help may be needed to solve this mysterious dilemma. This light-hearted whodunit has enough twists and turns to make Agatha Christie smile! Shows at the Kent Theatre, 8 N. Main St., Cedar Springs, Friday, June 7 at 7 pm, Saturday, June 8, at 2 and 7pm. Tickets are $5.00.

Hometown Happenings articles are a community service for non-profit agencies only. Due to popular demand for placement in this section, we can no longer run all articles. Deadline for articles is Monday at 5 p.m. This is not guaranteed space. Articles will run as space allows. Guaranteed placement is $10, certain restrictions may apply. You now can email your Hometown Happenings to happenings@cedarspringspost.com please include name and phone number for any questions we may have.

Fish Fry

May 31: There will be a Fish Fry on Friday, May 31, from 4:30 – 7:30 pm at Courtland-Oakfield UMC, 10295 Myers Lake. Battered fried fish, fresh cut French fries, coleslaw, coffee, punch and dessert. 1, 2, and 3 piece dinners available at $4.50, $6.50 and $8.50. #21,22p

Summer Programs at Howard Christensen Nature Center

June: HCNC is holding several great nature programs for children and adults. Explore garden and forest ecosystems on June 5. Children can run through the trails in “Let Kids Run Wild” on June 7. Anyone can learn how to fish on June 8. Youth Camp – Nature Center Style will be a two night, three day camping experience starting on June 14th. Explore the complexities of predator-prey relationships by playing a hands on game with unexpected consequences. Discover the wold of cold-blooded creatures with Slithering Crawly Creatures on June 26th. For details on these programs and others please see the Beat the Boredom section of this paper. #22

KDL Branches Offer Summer Programs

June: KDL branches in Sand Lake and Spencer Township offer several summer programs for families this summer. Check out the Beat the Boredom section of this paper for detail and locations of these June programs; Down in the Dirt Nature Crafts, Family Building Bricks Party, Magic: Can You Dig It?, Pet Show, Egyptian Pyramid Dig, and Down to Earth Family Gardening. #22

Fall 2013 Soccer Registration

June 1: Saturdays, June 1 and June 8, and Monday, June 3 thru Thursday June 6:– American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) Weeknights at the Concession Stand 6 – 7:30 pm and Saturdays 9 am – 2:00 pm. All events will be held at Boomer Park – 13440 Ritchie Avenue just south of 17 Mile Road. Take advantage of the Early Bird Fees throughout the week – $55 per player for the fall or $95 for fall and spring seasons. Families registering 3 or more players will receive a $5 discount per player. First time players must show a Birth Certificate for age verification. Registration is now open at www.eayso.org for Membership Year 2013! Complete the online portion and bring a printed copy of the registration form along with payment to one of the events. Please note – fees will be increased following the June 8 registration event. For additional information contact us through our website at www.ayso902.org. #22,23p

Red Flannel Queen Scholarship Pageant

June 2: Attention all young ladies living in – or attending school in – the Cedar Springs School district who will be in the 11th grade in 2013-2014 school year, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. There will be a mandatory meeting fr any interested young lady and her parents concerning the 2013 Red Flannel Pageant, this Sunday, June 2nd at 2 pm at the Red Flannel Office, located at 21 E. Maple St., in downtown Cedar Springs. For more information, contact Kaleigh Rosenberger at kaleighrae_91@hotmail.com #22p

Dinner at the Legion

June 3: American Legion, 80 Main St. Cedar Springs, is hosting a baked chicken dinner on Monday, June 3rd , from 5 – 7 pm. Included will be stuffing, mashed potatoes, veggies, salad, dessert and drinks. All dinners are $9, children $4.50. Enjoy home cooking, take out is available. 616-696-9160. #22

FREE All Weather Alert Radio’s

June 4: Metron of Cedar Springs will be distributing FREE All Weather Alert Radios, Courtesy of the Department of Homeland Security, on Tuesday, June 4th, from 2-4 p.m., at our facility located at 400 Jeffrey Street, Cedar Springs. Qualifications: Member of Kent County, Adult, Utilizes an Aide – hearing or vision (for example hearing aid or glasses). One per household. Limited time offer – while supplies last. Any Questions Please Call: Billie Vanderlaan, Community Relations Coordinator, 616-204-2615. #22

GriefShare Support Group

June 5: GriefShare is a grief recovery support group designed for those who have lost a loved one. Cedar Springs United Methodist Church will offer a 13 week session of GriefShare beginning on Wednesday, June 5 from 6:30 – 8 pm in the Parlor (upstairs from the south entrance). If you’re grieving the death of a loved one or know someone who is, please invite them to come. This is open to the community. Cost is $15 to offset the cost of the workbook. If you have questions or would like more specific information on this program, please contact Cedar Springs UMC at 616-696-1140. #22

MCC offers face painting & balloon tying

June 6 & 13: Learn how to face paint and tie balloon animals and hats this summer at Montcalm Community College. Practice face painting on classmates in “Learn How to Face Paint,” June 6 from 6 to 8 pm at the Stanley and Blanche Ash Technology and Learning Center (Ash TLC) on MCC’s Greenville campus. The cost is $20 and all supplies will be furnished. Learn how to toe balloon animals and other neat balloon creations on “Tying Balloon Animals & Hats,” June 13 at the Ash (TLC). The cost is $20 and balloons, pumps and handouts will be furnished. Advanced registration is required. Visit www.montcalm.edu/noncredit for course details or to register online, or call 616-754-7706 or 877-328-2111 ext. 610 for more information. #22

Rocket Football Registration

June 10: The Cedar Springs Youth Football program is now taking registrations for flag and rocket football. Our first sign up date is June 10 from 6-8 pm at the Cedar Springs Junior Ball League fields on Shaner Ave. Flag football is for children ages 4-7 and begins July 9. Rocket football begins the end of Aug. and your child must be 8 years old by Nov. 1. All registration forms and dates can be found on our website at www.cedarspringsyouthfootball.com. #22

Vacation Bible School at Solon Center

Wesleyan Church

June 10-14: Hey kids, com June 10 – 14th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm for VBS at Solon Center Wesleyan Church. It’s “Kingdom Rock, Standing Strong in God’s Power”, where you’ll sing songs, hear great Bible stories, use your imagination and make new friends! Kingdom Rock will also include Tim Black professional yo-yo, magic, comedy, and music man. Friday is “Family Night” at Lakeside campgrounds when the whole family can enjoy s’mores and little train rides. VBS is for children 4 years old through 5th grade. Please Preregister by calling the church office @ 616-696-3229 or online at soloncenterwesleyanchurch.org. The church is located at 15671 Algoma Ave., just north of 19 Mile Rd. #22,23p

Faith Based Guitar Boot Camp

June 10: A basic training for guitar will be taught at the Cedar Springs United Methodist Church. Registration will be held Monday June 10th at 6:00 pm. Students, 10-14 years of age, must be registered on this date. To register enter at the South door Located on Church Street; class size is limited to 12 students, first come first serve. Registration fee is $55. A parent or guardian is required to sign. Guitar and supplies are furnished. Classes will be Monday evenings for 12 weeks starting June 17th. Classes will provide a time for prayer and devotion. #22,23p

LifeWalk 2013

June 15: Alpha Family Center will host its annual LifeWalk on Saturday, June 15 at 10:00am at Morley Park in Cedar Springs. There will be a prayer walk, face-painting, balloons, clowns, refreshments and door prizes. For a pledge form call (616) 696-2616 or stop by the Center at 6 N. First St. in Cedar Springs. #22,23pd

The Michigan State Police in Lakeview are investigating the drowning of a Pierson man.

Troopers responded to Muskellunge Lake, in Maple Valley Township, about 11:41 p.m. Wednesday evening, May 22, for a missing fisherman. They located Michael Lee White, 52, of Pierson, in the water, near his boat, at the northeast end of the lake. They believe he died of an accidental drowning.

The Michigan State Police were assisted by the Montcalm County Sheriff’s Office, Montcalm EMS, and a local resident. The accident is still under investigation.

Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor those that gave their lives while defending our country. It’s also a day to remember all those that have served and are now deceased. Inside this issue are the names of veterans buried in area cemeteries, and we honor them with this issue of The Cedar Springs Post, click here to download. If you know of a veteran’s name that is missing from the list, please let us know and we’ll add them for next year.

There will be several memorial activities and ceremonies taking place this weekend that residents are encouraged to take part in:

The Cedar Springs Historical Society will hold its 13th annual Memorial Cemetery Walk on Sunday, May 26, at 2pm to honor veterans of all wars. This year’s veterans will be Cyrus Fleck, Civil War; Charles Davis, Spanish American War; Royal Kent, WWI; Charles Crites, WWII; Dwight Shier, Korea; LaVern “Bill” Avery, Vietnam. Biographical and historical information will be presented at each gravesite. We will leave the museum at 1:30pm and return there for refreshments. If it rains, the event will be held in the museum. In case of severe weather warnings, the event will be canceled.

The American Legion Glen Hill Post #287 in Cedar Springs will hold their annual Memorial Day program on May 27, with 5th District Senior Vice-Commander Rex Lambert as guest speaker. They will be at Elmwood Cemetery at 9 a.m., Solon Cemetery at 10 a.m., East Nelson Cemetery at 10:45 a.m., and Veterans Memorial Park, (corner of Main and Oak in Cedar Springs) at 11:30 a.m. In case of bad weather, services will be held only in the American Legion Hall at 9 a.m. The Cedar Springs High School Marching Band will also do several songs.

The Sand Lake/Cedar Springs Tri-Corner Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #7912 will have ceremonies on Monday, May 27. They will be at the VFW Post in Sand Lake at 10:30 a.m., and will then be at Pierson Cemetery at 11 a.m. The Tri County Marching Band will also be on hand.

Algoma Township will hold their service on Monday, May 27, at their Veteran’s Memorial Park at the Algoma Township Cemetery at 10515 Grange Ave., at 1:00 p.m. The service will include the VFW Post 3946, 3rd Michigan Volunteer Infantry Co. F reenactment group, Algoma Baptist Church Choir, and other participants. The service will honor the second and final list of Algoma Township’s Civil War Veterans, in keeping with the Civil War anniversary theme. The 3rd Michigan Volunteer Infantry Co. F—reenactment Civil War Soldiers will participate and a walking tour will be held in the cemetery of the Civil War Soldier’s gravesites following the ceremony. Refreshments will be served after the ceremony by the Algoma Township Historical Society.

A Cedar Springs teen was sent to the hospital with critical injuries last Thursday afternoon, after he failed to stop at a stop sign and was broadsided by a road commission dump truck.

According to the Kent County Sheriffs Department, Lee Brandt Tompkins, 18, of Spencer Township, was traveling east on 14 Mile Road, about 2:39 p.m., in a 2001 Chevy Malibu, when he failed to stop at the stop sign at Pine Island Drive. A fully-loaded Kent County Road Commission dump truck was traveling northbound on Pine Island Drive at the time, and not required to stop.

The Road Commission truck hit the brakes, but struck the car broadside on the passenger side, then went off the road to the right, over a ditch, through a yard, and into a house. The car was pushed up the road and into a ditch on the west side of the road.

Tompkins was taken to Butterworth by Aero Med with critical injuries. The Road Commission driver, Steven Mark Blossom, 60, of Grant, suffered minor scrapes on both arms and top of head. He was not transported to the hospital.

Both drivers were wearing their seatbelts, and alcohol was not a factor in the accident.

A long line of motorcycles made their way into Cedar Springs Saturday to honor fallen heroes. Photo courtesy of Pam Bradfield.

The John Voshel Jr. Memorial Ride for fallen police officers, fire fighters and veterans made a stop in Cedar Springs Saturday, May 18.

The ride, organized by “We the People Giving Back,” started at the Grand Rapids Home for the Veterans, then made its way to Cedar Springs and stopped at the American Legion Hall for a presentation, before traveling on to Greenville.

“We honored three Gold star families, three Purple Heart vets, eight fallen officers, four patriots, and did a random act of kindness drive by in Lakeview for cystic fibrosis,” said Pam Bradfield, a member of the group. “We were also able to surprise a Purple Heart vet with a new riding mower.”

She said there were about 200-250 bikes that took part in the ride.

Michigan State Trooper Kevin Marshall was honored for his service. He was killed on Monday, July 7, 2003, in Fremont. Photo courtesy of Pam Bradfield

Two hundred-plus motorcycles took part in the memorial ride last Saturday. Photo courtesy of Pam Bradfield

The Cedar Springs Post got to go on its very first senior class trip last week! The 2013 Creative Technologies senior class took the Post with them when they went to Frankenmuth, Michigan, on May 16 and 17. Thanks for taking us with you!

If you are traveling, take along a Post and snap a photo of you with it, then email it to us with some info and your contact info to news@cedarspringspost.com.

A 59-year-old Ada man died earlier this week after his motorcycle collided with a car in Newaygo County.

According to the Newaygo County Sheriff Department, the crash occurred in Croton Township, on Elm Ave., south of M-82, just before 6 p.m. Herbert Rammond Burgnon, 59, was driving his motorcycle and collided with a vehicle that was turning into a driveway. That vehicle was driven by a 30-year-old female.

Burgnon was transported to Butterworth Hospital with critical injuries, where he later died. Croton Twp. Fire and Life E.M.S. assisted at the scene.

Police said Burgnon was not wearing a helmet. Police determined that alcohol was a factor in the crash.